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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Requirement for EGM not met, says Kok - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: April 29, 2008

More questions have been raised on the manner in which the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) held an extraordinary general meeting three days after the general election to dissolve the group and transfer its funds, totalling RM9.9 million, to another body.

Selangor executive councillor Teresa Kok said according to the constitution of Balkis, members of the organisation would have to be notified through a written notice not less than 14 days before the day of the EGM.

Kok, who is also the DAP MP for Seputeh, was speaking to reporters after taking her oath at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

She said less than 14 days' notice was given to members for the Balkis EGM on March 11.

On Sunday, former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo defended his wife, Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik, the past president of Balkis, for calling the EGM to dissolve the organisation.

He maintained that the dissolution of Balkis and transfer of funds to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) was done in accordance with the charity's constitution.

He said the EGM was convened after one-fifth of Balkis members requested for it, while the dissolution and transfer of funds to Bakti received approval from two-thirds of the members.

He said there was no need for auditors of Balkis to be informed or consulted before the charity was dissolved and the funds transferred.

"The role of auditors is to ensure the accounts are according to financial standards."

Dr Khir disputed a statement by Selangor Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment committee chairman Elizabeth Wong that Balkis accounts for last year had yet to be finalised.

"Everything was finalised before the funds were transferred," he said.

Kok, however, questioned whether Zahara had fullfilled the constitutional requirements of Balkis.

"The EGM on March 11 is illegal. This is because on March 11 Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was no longer the menteri besar, and as such she was no longer the chairman of Balkis," she said.

Thus, she had no right to transfer the funds, Kok said.

She called on Zahara to hold an EGM of Balkis and transfer the funds back to the organisation and its new office bearers.

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Roles and responsibilities of councillors

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.

To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession

To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.

As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.

To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.

To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.

To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.

As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.

To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.

To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.

residing in the respective local council

Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs

Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry

Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.